Super Eagles transitioning from “low budget” to high-profile friendlies

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the corner, the performances of the Super Eagles in recent friendly matches have left a number of their teeming fans wondering what would have been had they qualified for the global showpiece in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Although the three-time African champions have missed out of the […]

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the corner, the performances of the Super Eagles in recent friendly matches have left a number of their teeming fans wondering what would have been had they qualified for the global showpiece in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Although the three-time African champions have missed out of the biggest football tournament for the third time since their debut in 1994, they have used the matches played recently to prove to all that even as they are emotionally wrecked, they are still a formidable force in world football.

It will be recalled that using a blend of foreign-based players and some Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stars, Coach Eric Chelle successfully defended the Unity Cup title in London. The team did not need all the established stars to retain the trophy. It was a smooth ride as the Super Eagles edged Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi-final and demolished the “Reggae Boyz” of Jamaica 3-0 in a one sided final to remain the most productive team in the Afro-Caribbean friendly competition.

From London, the Super Eagles soared to Warsaw, where they played the high-profile international friendly match against the Polish senior national team on Wednesday night. Although both nations are not going to the 2026 World Cup kicking off on June 11, the two teams engaged in a thrilling contest that kept the fans cheering till the end.

Even as it was a friendly contest, the second meeting between the two nations was highly intense, fast-paced, and wildly unpredictable, fluctuating dramatically between periods of calculated tactical structures and chaotic, end-to-end attacking bursts. In fact, there was no “feeling out” phase of any kind as the pace of the match was brisk from the outset.

Interestingly, Poland fought back twice to deny the Super Eagles what would have been their second victory over the opponents they had defeated in 2018 just before the World Cup in Russia. Terem Moffi broke the deadlock for Nigeria in the 25th minute after a swift build-up initiated by Captain Wilfred Ndidi and squared by Moses Simon.

However, Poland injected a massive surge of speed just before the break, culminating in Nicola Kacper Potulski’s equaliser in the first half added minutes. The Super Eagles reclaimed the lead later in the second half through a penalty awarded following a VAR review.

A handball offence by Kacper Kozlowski led to the penalty that was calmly converted by substitute Paul Onuachi in the 77th minute. But the hosts snatched a draw with virtually the last kick of the match deep into five minutes stoppage time for a pulsating finish.

As most Nigerians watched the Super Eagles’ dazzling performance against Poland, it was also a painful reminder that such a talented team would have no part to play at the 2026 World Cup. Missing out on back-to-back World Cups has indeed left the fans, players and stakeholders dealing with a complex mix of emotions as the big party is set to begin without them.

Indeed, the friendly match in Warsaw was an exhibition of the quality of football Nigerian fans are going to miss from their players who would also be watching proceedings on the big TV screens in the comfort of their homes. With what was seen, the Super Eagles would have certainly given a good account of themselves in North America. The fighting spirit displayed by the players is what every national team needs to thrive meaningfully at any major tournament.

Well, the world is about to miss Nigerian football fans who are famous for being some of the loudest, most colorful and most driving forces behind online tournament trends and memes, but the pain of another World Cup absence must trigger a resetting of the lapses that brought about the football tragedy. By providing high-profile international friendly matches for the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is taking the right steps in an attempt to rebuild a formidable team that can compete on the world’s biggest stage.

Sometime ago, I was among those who criticised the football federation for exposing the national team to ridicule with “behind closed doors” friendly matches against war-troubled Iran and Jordan. I stated unequivocally that allowing the team to continue to play inside a near-empty stadium was not only an embarrassment but a devaluation of the Super Eagles. 

It is, therefore, heartwarming that the Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau led NFF is turning a new leaf. Yes, with the well-attended friendly match against Poland, the federation appears to have finally succumbed to the mounting pressure to stop subjecting the Super Eagles to low-budget friendly matches. Investment in high-quality international friendlies against countries with strong football cultures will surely enhance the value of the national team.

Let me reiterate that the atmosphere during the friendly with Poland was befitting of the Super Eagles. Playing at the massive 58,000-capacity PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw provided a true big-match environment. When you compare it with the empty stands during the friendlies against Iran and Jordan at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkiye, you will see the difference even if you are a Stevie Wonder.

Up next for the Super Eagles is another high-profile international friendly against the World Cup bound national team of Portugal on June 10, a day to the kickoff of the 2026 mundial. Portugal will treat the fixture as a serious dress rehearsal.

Head Coach Roberto Martinez is expected to deploy a star-studded lineup featuring global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo – who is preparing for his historic sixth World Cup. Other Portuguese stars Bruno Fernandes, Bernado Silva, Vitinha, Mendes, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leao, Joao Neves, and a host of others will also be available for selection as one of the 2026 World Cup favourites test their strength and readiness against one of Africa’s best teams.

Buoyed by the dramatic draw with Poland, Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle, has declared that Nigeria is heading to Leiria, the venue of the potentially explosive friendly match to “make a war.” By this, he meant that fans should expect defensive solidity and high pressing approach which would neutralise Portugal’s midfield fluidity usually orchestrated by Fernandes, Vitinha, Silva and Neves. So, it promises to be another blockbuster.

However, the absence of a single home-based player in the squads for the two high-level friendly matches is a great concern for those who think some of the home lads who justified their inclusion in the victorious Unity Cup team should have made the trip to Warsaw and Leiria. At least three out of the seven NPFL players for the Unity Cup tournament in London proved their mettle with encouraging performances.

Therefore, as Chelle continues to hunt more players ahead of the upcoming AFCON qualifiers and other international matches, he should also give opportunities to some of the local boys to fight for shirts in the team. After all, the difference in quality between some of the over-hyped foreign-based players and their NPFL counterparts is sometimes marginal.

Anytime the big boys in the Super Eagles decide not to honour national invitations for some flimsy reasons or excuses, the homegrown talents who are hungry for such opportunities should be considered without any discrimination.